The Bears made three veteran offensive acquisitions, and we haven’t hit free agency yet.

Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson made two massive trades for frontline guards, acquiring Joe Thuney from Kansas City and Jonah Jackson from the L.A. Rams. They made a depth move at tight end, too, with Durham Smythe adding depth to the position group.

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They’ve already fortified their biggest weakness, which fundamentally changes the direction of a story originally budgeted to focus solely on the offensive line.

We’ll expand things a bit in our free agency preview series and provide some suggestions on how to address issues across the offense.

As we said in our pass-rush installment, these moves will be supplemented by the NFL draft selections coming up next month. As an aside, you won’t see running backs discussed below because the draft’s an obvious and financially prudent place to get one with D’Andre Swift’s salary.

We’ll break down free agency options based on perceived spending required, providing options for what the Bears could and should do on the open market this spring.

Luxury items

C Drew Dalman (Falcons)

The Bears still have an opening at the starting center spot, one it seems they’ll address in free agency considering they’re going big along the offensive line. Drew Dalman is the best option in free agency after four years with the Falcons.

Dalman has been injured in each of the last two seasons, though he’s an excellent run blocker who’s decent in pass protection. He would add stability to an important position helping quarterback Caleb Williams identify and set protections, with the continuity a long-term deal could provide in that partnership.  Spotrac estimates he’ll draw a $6.8 million average annual salary, though that seems a bit light considering the thin center class in free agency and the draft.

Dalman benefitted playing with top-tier guards in Atlanta and would do so again in Chicago.

If the Bears are all-in on fixing the O-line, this is the way to do it.

TE Evan Engram (Jaguars)

The Jaguars just let Engram go to avoid a heft cap charge. While he has dealt with injuries, the veteran remains an explosive pass-catching option. While the Bears need someone to help work from the slot, we always assume that’s a receiver. Engram can play well there and be an explosive catch-and-run presence in the pattern.

The Bears still have Cole Kmet and Smythe who can line up in-line, and Johnson loves using multiple tight end sets. Versatile tight ends like Kmet and Engram allow the play caller and designer can do a lot with formations and shifts. The draft has explosive options, and maybe Engram isn’t a true luxury item anymore, but there’s still quality production left in this talent.

Affordable options

WR Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)

Seattle recently released the longtime Seahawk who’s in his early 30s and may not have many years left. But he’d add to the team culture and can still make plays outside and in the slot. He brings more speed than re-signing Keenan Allen and might benefit from single coverage in three receiver sets, with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze also in the pattern.

Lockett could end up back in Seattle, but a slightly overpriced one-year might draw him elsewhere.

C Ryan Kelly (Colts)

Kelly will be 32 by season’s start and recently had surgery on his knee, but he’s a respected leader who has been good for a long, long time. He’s incredibly smart and could be a bridge option that stabilized the center spot in 2024 while the Bears draft and develop a younger player.

The Bears placed veterans at both guard spots. Adding someone like Kelly would add savvy and technical expertise to a completely revamped interior line.

WR Brandin Cooks (Cowboys)

Brandin Cooks is getting older, but he still has speed and can play some in the slot. He wasn’t great in Dallas, but a new start with Ben Johnson could provide some juice as a solid No. 3 option the Bears are looking for.

WR Tim Patrick (Lions)

Ben Johnson and assistant head coach Antwaan Randle-El saw firsthand how Tim Patrick battled back from brutal injuries to produce for the Lions. He’s a tough, high-effort blocker who can make contested catches and would be a solid, cheaper option to supplement the receiver room.